Protective device for swimming pools



Jan. 15, 1963 H. PYKE PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR SWIMMING POOLS Filed Oct. 25, 1961 INVENTOR. HAROLD LESHER PY KE United States The present invention relates to a device and method for absorbing pressure from expansion due to the formation of ice from natures temperatures, and more particularly to a protective device and method for use in winterizing outdoor swimming pools.

With the exceptional increase in construction of outdoor swimming pools for public as well as private use, a a grave problem has risen. This problem is the maintenance and protection of the pool walls and bottom during the winter months, when not in use. For many years, it was standard practice to drain all the water from the pool and leave it to the whims of the elements, in a necked condition, so to speak.

More recently however, the bottom and greater portion of the side walls have been protected from cracking by permitting the water to remain in the pool. This had the advantage'of protecting the submerged areas from ice forming on those areas and cracks resulting. To supplement this protective method, it was necessary to protect the pool walls at water level from rupture from surface ice forming in an unbroken cake from side to side. As an incident to such ice cover, formed by below freezing temperatures, expansion of the ice occurs with the result that the side walls of the pool were subjected to pressure and became cracked or ruptured, causing leaks the following season. Moreover, repairs of such leaks were not always satisfactory, and draining of the pool to make additional repairs could be necessary, time and again.

A common expedient which has been used to provide protection against ice expansion, is the floating of a solid wooden log or logs, on top of the water. Such log, being partly submerged, occupied a surface area in the water which could not freeze. Consequently, when the ice cover formed from side to side, it consisted of two ice covers, one on each side of the log, with an unfrozen channel or path across the middle, occupied by the log. Upon freezing solid from side to side, the expansion of the ice was in the direction of the log and not outwardly against the pool walls.

From this phenomenon, the wooden log served as a cushion or pressure and expansion absorber, with the result that the log was chipped or slightly pressed upwardly or downwardly along its length, thereby permitting the two ice covers to expand inwardly and harmlessly. In such situations, the logs had inherent floating qualities. 1

While the method described was satisfactory to a great degree, the installation, handling and storage of the log or logs presented difliculties. Moreover, the logs which usually were discarded utility poles, were frequently creosoted, which contaminated the water. The problem of removing the heavy logs, their storage, and then again transporting them for winter installation, was tedious and expensive.

The present improvements have been designed to overcome these and other difliculties. Accordingly, applicant has developed a novel device and method for winterizing such pools. The device is cheap, easily installed, eflicient in operation, light weight, and lends itself to easy and convenient storage.

In employing the coined phase Winterizing, in the present improvements, the term is meant to embrace the installation of an ice-expansion, pressure-absorbing device, capable of preventing the rupture of swimming pool atent walls, while such pools are filled with water throughout the winter subfreezing season.

A primary object of the invention therefore is to winterize an open, water filled pool, by the provision of a flexible tubular member floated on the water surface while containing an anti freeze solution.

A further object is to provide an artificial log for floating on swimming pools during the winter season, comprising a flexible tubular member filled with a calcium chloride solution, to which is attached means for suspending the log in a floating position, partly submerged in the water surface.

Another object is to provide an artificial log for floating on swimming pools, comprising a plurality of flexible tubular members telescoped in spaced relation, so that air may occupy one member and anti freeze solution may occupy the other, together with an anchoring means to steady the unit in operative position relative to the water surface and pool walls.

A further object is to provide a simplified method of Winterizing open surface outdoor swimming pools which comprises easy installation steps employing light weight apparatus and producing reliable fool-proof results.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 presents a miniature diagrammatic view of the preferred embodiment of the improvements installed in a pool, illustrated in outline.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of opposite ends of the telescope log, the central area of the log removed for convenience in illustration.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a preferred manner of sealing the ends of the log.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of a portion of a swiming pool, illustrating a portion of the log" in position on the water surface.

FIG. 5 is a view merely in outline, showing the rela tionship of the log to the water level, the outline of the log being a transverse view.

In achieving the novel results of the present improvetube 13 of similar material having a diameter of approximately 2 /2 inches. The rubber tubing is preferably of 55 gauge. As later described more specificallv, the

inner tube 13 is charged with air, while the outer tube 12,

is charged with an anti freeze solution. The inner tube' is provided with a suitable valve 14, for charging it with an. tube, as later described. Any suitable means, such as rope 15, may be provided for anchoring the artificial log unit relative to the pool.

Fragments of the artificial log 11 are shown in FIG. 2, with the portion intermediate the ends omitted for convenience. The inner air tube 13 is sealed at both ends in any desired manner. However, in the illustrated form, the rubber tubing is lapped upon itself at the ends, and wrapped around collars 16 to which it is secured by removable clamps 17. Thiszexpedient insures an air-tight seal. The collar and clamp relation is illustrated in FIG.

3. The collars 16 are preferably plastic, but may be made of any suitable material.

The anti freeze solution is poured into the outer' The air valve 14, is conveniently provided at the exposedend of inner tube 13. Referring further to FIG. 2, the outer tube 12, hasone aoraoaa end lapped over a collar,18, -and sealedby clamp 19. While this clamp renders the end of the tube leak proof, it is readily removable for the purpose of pouring the anti freeze-solution into the .tube 12.-

The manner of clamping theends of the tubes to-the. collars .in leak proof relationship is illustrated in FIG. 3.

In;assembl-ing the artificial log, opposite ends of the inner air tube are sealed with the, aforementioned clamps, the air tube isthereupon fed into the larger outer tu-becin; telescopic relationship, Since-the diameters are about 2 /2 inches and 6 inches, respectively, this step is done with ease.- Itis noteworth that both inner and outer tubes areofsubstantially the. same length, but in.assem. bling these. tubesthe end, of the inner tube 13, having'the; air valve 14, protrudes frorn one end: of the outer tube. 12, with;the. resultthat the innermost end of'the inner tubeis a slight distance from the'corresponding end of. the outer tube. When this relationship is achieved the end-of the tube 13, adjacent; the valve 14, is opened by releasing the clamp 17, and a collar 21 is inserted inside theinnertubentil it is in a-position opposite to the end of the outer tube. In this position a further. clamp 22 is applied so as to envelope the end 20, the collar 21, and theinner tube 13. This clamp is then tightened around the collar to leak proof relationship:

without having been charged with either-air or anti freeze solution. They arennot shown in FIG. 2 in position on top of a pool.

Although; the solution for use in-"the outer. tube has beenareferredto as ant-i;freeze solution, the prefer able liquid is a solution of calcium-chloride because it isinexpensi-ve. It is understood; however, that other anti freeze solutions such;,as Zerex "and Prestone, or. the equivalent, may serve theintended purpose.

The-artificial: log -as :described above is now ready to be charged-with air and calcium chloride solution. The

log in 'its'emptytstatemay be stretched outon the deck of the pool. The next step will therefore-be to pump air v into the inner-tube 13; through zthewalve '14. Suflicient air shouldbe-supplied-to fill theinner tube, but not to:

plied inthis-manner will govern" the levelat-which the artificial log willjfloat-withirespect to the. water level.

cause it to. balloon. The amount of air pressure. su

of the pool. The-next, step-is to place the artificiall'log on thesurface'of the pool, either --from' end to end or from sideto sideyor in;;a diagonal-relationship as shown in FIG.: 1; Theseartificia'l logs may; be of any extent,

such as -100- feet, .andif desired-smaller logs placed end to end rnay-beemployed;

As indicated in FIG. 1, thelog is disposed in adiaigonal position on top of the water in ,the'pool, and by virtue the edge of-the pool. This may be done in any desired manner by means of a rope 15, or-other anchoring means. The opposite.- end of :the log may now be opened by removing the clamp-19 o'n-outer'tube. 12. The anti freeze' solution, preferably a calcium chloride solution, may now be poured'into the .outer tube -12"until' it is completely filled. The requirements for-a six inch diameter outer tube is a gallon of solution for each foot of tubing.

It is significant that the calcium chloride-serves a double purpose. It is employedprimarily because it will not freeze in temperatures in which the present improvements: are-intendedforuse. The additional function of .theair present inboth inner and outer tubes, the log: will obvipusly float on the-surface; The next step is to anchor that end of the log having-the air=valve 14, to

which it serves isv to. supply weight to the artificial log. In performing this service, the outer log which is completely filled with calcium chloride solution, and which of course surrounds the. air filled inner tube, causes the entire. unit to floaton-the water with about /6- of its circumference submerged, withthe remaining portion exposed. This relationship is shown in fragmentary views in FIGS. 4 and 5'. By placing the artificial log into the water before charging it with the calcium chloride solution, and then adding the solution, the liquid .is thereby evenly; distributed throughout the outertube 12. This eliminates the danger ofa. large amount of the solution rushing: to. one:.ar.ea in the tube and causing that section to sink.

After the calcium chloride solution has completely filled the outer tube 12', the open end of that tube should be folded over I01 lapped upon itself. This end may thereupon be wrapped around collar 18.- Several turns of friction tape should be Wrapped around the tube and the collar. This expedient will temporarily hold these members in place. The clamp 19' may now be placed around the members so that it covers the friction tape, and theclamp may then be tightened in leak proof relationship,

The use of friction tape is preferable to prevent the clamp;

from mutilating the rubber tubing.

The following suggestion is made for preparing a suit-. able calcium chloride solution; For each gallon of water, two pounds of calcium chloride should be poured into it and thoroughly stirred; When completely dissolved, this. solution is ready for charging into outer tube. 12. Any suitable methodmaybe employed for charging the tube, such as an auxiliary ,drum or container having a faucet,

When the logis in actual use. and'floating on the water surface of the pool, the inner airtube assumes the position indicated in 13165.4 and 5. Obviously, when the calcium chloride solution is chargedinto the outer tube.12,- the inner tube 13 being charged with air, will be pushed to the surface where. it will .residein contactwith the upperinner wall as shown in FIG... 5. This inner. airrtube. 13, which extends substantially the. full length of the artificial log, serves to maintain the .login. floating rela.-.

because such pressure. will. harmlessly be. exertedupon the artificial log. The sidewalls .of .the...pool.will thereupon" receive no damage;

In the practice ofthe present method,. it-issignificant; thatsomepools during the winter months may be :used for skating or other ice sports. In suchlcircumstances the, artificial log of the present improvements may beanchoredi along several sides of the. pool-rather than in ;a diagonal position. protect thepool. walls in the same eificient manner.

When ,the winter season isover and danger of-freezing; is past, the artificial log of the present improvements lends itself to. easy removal, transportation ,and storage, be cause ofitsfiexibility and light weight. For example, the 7 clamp 19may be removed at the end 20 of tube 12,,and.

the calcium chloride solution poured out. The airmay then be released by opening valve 14 in inner tube 13, and, then the entire rubber tubing comprising the artificial- 10g maybe rolled up in a bundle or coil for easy tra'nsportaa tion to summer quarters, and storage in a relatively small space. Thelog of the present improvements is then ready and available for charging,-and,usethe following 'winter.

Whileth'e use of inner air tube 13 is preferable,.it isv apparent that it may be supplemented ,orreplaccd by ,cork

or plastic floats suitably'attached to the exterior of the It.is found thatthis expedient will serve toouter tube. Furthermore, the inner air tube 13 may be dispensed with and replaced by tubing of plastic material, which would serve to supply the floating qualities. As aforesaid, however, the preferred embodiment as illustrated is believed to be the most convenient for installation, charging, and storage purposes and handling.

As previously noted, the dimensions of the artificial 10g may be varied. The sections may be made in smaller lengths and the diameter modified as desired. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that other substitutions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A device comprising an outer flexible and readily collapsible tubular member initially open at each end, an inner flexible and readily collapsible tubular member at least partially received within said outer member, said inner tubular member having an end portion protruding out through one of the open ends of said outer tubular member, means securing said outer tubular member at its one open end to said inner tubular member, said inner tubular member being closed at each end and having valve means in said protruding portion whereby air may be inserted into and removed from said inner tubular member, said other end of the outer tubular member having means to receive anti-freeze solution therethrough for filling the space between the inner and outer tubular members, and clamping means for sealing off said last mentioned end of the outer tubular member.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the means securing the inner tubular member to the outer tubular member comprises a collar means received in said inner tubular member to hold said inner tubular member in tubular form and a clamp means surrounding said one open end of the outer tubular member to clamp the same in fluid tight relation about the inner tubular member and said collar therewithin.

3. A device according to claim 2 including anchoring means at the exposed ends of said device for securing the same in operative position in an outdoor pool.

4. A device according to claim 1 wherein said inner and outer tubular members are fabricated of rubber and the like and canvas and the like material.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A DEVICE COMPRISING AN OUTER FLEXIBLE AND READILY COLLAPSIBLE TUBULAR MEMBER INITIALLY OPEN AT EACH END, AN INNER FLEXIBLE AND READILY COLLAPSIBLE TUBULAR MEMBER AT LEAST PARTIALLY RECEIVED WITHIN SAID OUTER MEMBER, SAID INNER TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING AN END PORTION PROTRUDING OUT THROUGH ONE OF THE OPEN ENDS OF SAID OUTER TUBULAR MEMBER, MEANS SECURING SAID OUTER TUBULAR MEMBER AT ITS ONE OPEN END TO SAID INNER TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID INNER TUBULAR MEMBER BEING CLOSED AT EACH END AND HAVING VALVE MEANS IN SAID PROTRUDING PORTION WHEREBY AIR MAY BE INSERTED INTO AND REMOVED FROM SAID INNER TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID OTHER END OF THE OUTER TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING MEANS TO RECEIVE ANTI-FREEZE SOLUTION THERETHROUGH FOR FILLING THE SPACE BETWEEN THE INNER AND OUTER TUBULAR MEMBERS, AND CLAMPING MEANS FOR SEALING OFF SAID LAST MENTIONED END OF THE OUTER TUBULAR MEMBER. 